Dexter! My boy is 7 months & he's been a joy to me & my family. I see a lot of threads on biting & aggression issues none that I have but ONE! He paws! It hurts a lot & his nails are SHARP! I've had them clipped already but it made little difference. I've got three kids 4,5 & 10. I have to always give extra attention to the little ones with him because of his pawing. He has learned to be gentle with them but he doesn't know how sharp his nails are. He's scratched everyone's faces including mine. He will all of a sudden just slap me with his paw. It's not even hard just a small slap but his nails cut. He almost seems to think he can use his paws like we use our hands. Honestly we went through the shark phase but this paw thing seems more annoying. Any ideas?

Zoe does this too. Occasionally it's for attention but often times she does this when the kids or I are already petting her and giving her attention when she "smacks" us in the face. It's very annoying and I'm also not sure why she does it.

The way I fix this is being a step ahead and MANAGING my pup so she is NOT bored. And doesn't need anything.

So I put her outdoors to poo/pee (or take her out for a walk) BEFORE she has to come and get (paw) me.

I also take her outdoors to PLAY and wear her out BEFORE she comes to paw me (mom, I'm BORED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!).

If I take care of her needs before her brilliant brain thinks to come get me or someone else, then it also takes care of the unwanted behavior before she thinks to do it. A good puppy is a TIRED puppy too.

Have you started up with puppy/dog classes yet? Huge help to engage and proactively involve them in activities I love.

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